I read about a website for beautiful people only, that recently removed approximately 10,000 people from their site for not being beautiful enough. The company claimed that a disgruntled employee had hacked into their software, (that culls ugly people and rejects their applications) and manipulated the software to accept virtually anyone (which allowed ugly folks to join the club).
The company representatives stated that the club was founded and chartered for beautiful people only and they had no choice but to expel them because they were not beautiful. While they were repairing the hacked software they also expelled some members that were heretofore beautiful but had gotten wrinkled and “porked up” and were now too “chubby” for inclusion anymore. This article stated that many of those who were rejected were so devastated by being kicked out that they are now seeking therapy, and a few were even suicidal.
I was thinking about the mindset of these people and how amazing it is to me that they want to be accepted so badly into this group. Contrast that with Christianity. I read a book that coincides with this phenomenon entitled Un Christian and it discusses the very low opinion of Christianity that the new generation of young people have formed and how fewer and fewer want to become Christians.
It’s a paradox, on the one hand we have a club that strictly limits membership based on superficial standards, charges high fees to belong, and the benefits of belonging are primarily to have this site confirm that you are a beautiful person . Many folks are clamoring to be included and even paying big fees for the privilege.
The other group’s membership (Christians) is free and open to anyone who wants to join regardless of their looks, race, gender, finances, et al and the benefits are living a life of peace, joy, love, and happiness that can only come from God and best of all eternal bliss in heaven will be their long-term reward. And yet membership is declining at an alarming rate in this group.
Huh???
To determine why perhaps we should probably begin with looking at our lives and what being a Christian means to us and how others see us.. Do folks earnestly want to be like us. Or are we repugnant to them.
Sadly, many of us who claim to be representatives of Christ don’t always represent Him the way we should; I am guilty of this at times.
Many Christians are not at a point where they understand that Jesus is about love and compassion for everyone, and His ministry is open to one and all and not restricted to a few “select people”. Jesus came to this earth to die for sinners. The Bible is clear that He does not desire for anyone to be left behind or be excluded. He seeks us out and witnesses to us. His time was not spent exclusively with the religious elite sitting in comfortable pews and glaring at anyone who looks different, especially the poor and disenfranchised. Jesus didn’t look down on people and had genuine compassion for those whose lives were filled with sin, even asking His Father to forgive those who were putting Him to death.
His is the example that we need to follow. It is why I love him so much. I know He loves me regardless of my imperfections.
The Bible is clear about how we should live our lives. If we can nip hypocrisy in the bud, and exhibit the love and compassion of Christ, we can reach young and old alike. For sure we can’t live like the devil all week and then sit in a pew in pious judgment and righteous condemnation on Sunday. Potential new followers of Christ can spot such behavior a mile away. God is the Judge and not us.
Join me today in redoubling our efforts to try and exhibit, (at all times), the kind of behavior that would make someone want to become a follower of Jesus Christ and become a Christian themselves. We have the best club by far; we just need to present its benefits better.
Matt. 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.